CLIENT Q&A | A Personal Styling Transformation Story (Before & After)

curatebyjulij
6 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 5 hours ago

From Leggings To Elevated Denim: How One Working Mom Rediscovered Her Style Confidence.

Real-life personal style transformation stories, complete with a before and after photos is something we all love seeing. And here is just that, an interview I did with my longtime client (and old colleague friend), Ellen. We talk about what happens when leggings become a five-year habit, what it's like to feel both stylish and like yourself, and how the right pair of jeans can totally shift your confidence.

Q: Ellen, tell me a little bit about yourself. What do you do for work and fun?

Ellen: For work, I'm in marketing so I have to convey that I'm creative but still differentiate myself from the super creative folks. At the same time, I need the rest of the organization to see me as data-driven and analytical.

That's me at work, sophisticated, a little bit creative, a little bit, boss bitch. And then at home, I have two young boys who keep me really busy. I can't get too dressed up on the weekends because there's a lot of kid stuff… birthday parties, park outings, brunches. So I try to be intentional about how I dress, but being careful I come across like I'm not trying too hard^.

^Stylist's note: Soo many of my clients say this! There is a fear in being seen a vain for putting effort into how you look. Shift that mindset. Effort means you care about yourself and others.

Q: Before you hired me, how would you describe your style and what were your struggles getting dressed?

Ellen: I stopped buying pants in 2017 when I got pregnant. After my first son was born, I was on maternity leave wearing leggings every day—and I was like, “This is the life.” Then COVID hit. So basically, I wore leggings for five years.

Then it was time to return to the office. I got a new job that was more in-person. On Zoom, I had this floral and plant backdrop and would wear floral blouses. So I had a ton of floral tops and a lot of athleisure. That's when I started talking to you: What pants do I even buy now? Slacks? Can I wear jeans again? Am I too old?

I wanted to figure out how to take the floral blouses I loved and style them in a way that felt more sophisticated, but still comfortable.

Q: How did you feel in that style, floral blouses with leggings?

Ellen: It was comfortable. And there was a little bit of pride like I had a recognizable “look.” But I was also self-conscious wearing tight athletic pants. I've always been self-conscious about my midsection, especially after having kids there's just extra skin there. So I wore blouses untucked to cover up.

It wasn't until working with you that I learned tucking things in and wearing a belt actually draws the eye away from the areas I felt self-conscious about. That was huge.

Q: How would you describe your style now, after working together?

Ellen: I feel excited to get dressed. It used to be this dread “What am I going to wear today?” Now it's like, “Ooh, I wore that yesterday, so I get to wear this today!” And I feel appropriately attired for different moments. At a work offsite, I feel put together with the belts, the shoes with details like the Veronica Beard flats with the gold buckle and even the jewelry. I can focus on the content of my presentations instead of thinking, “Is everyone looking at my pants?”

Q: How has that shift changed how you see yourself, professionally and as a mom?

Ellen: At work, I feel more sophisticated. I stand up taller. I honestly feel more successful.

Me: Because you are successful!! A power outfit helps you believe in your power.

Ellen: Yes! You can have a greater belief in yourself through what you are wearing!

As a mom, I remember going to the park and texting other moms to meet us there. Some showed up in sundresses, others in sweats. I was wearing shorts and a tank you picked out, and I just felt confident. I wasn't looking around wishing I'd worn something else. I just felt like, nope, I'm doing my thing. I look great.

Q: What are some of your favorite pieces we've added?

Ellen: The Paige jeans are total game changer. I thought denim could never be comfortable again. Now I have three pairs of the Claudines. They're structured and sophisticated, but I can throw them on and feel good.

Stylist note: we have also now added a few Veronica Beard jeans to her wardrobe which she loves. VB is great for work denim, elevated and fit like a glove.

Also the Ba&sh sweater I have it in ivory and black. I always get compliments. Once someone at work even asked if they could wear it because they were cold. They wore it for two hours and came back saying, “I need this sweater. Everyone's telling me how good I look!”

Q: What would you say to someone who's unsure about hiring a stylist?

Ellen: I think people worry that a stylist will just dress them in whatever the stylist likes, like with interior designers who make your house look like their house. But with you, it's not about your personal taste. You put me in clothes that I love. You help people level up while still keeping it true to them. You up my game… but it's still my game!!

Final Thoughts

Helping Ellen reconnect with her style and find joy in getting dressed has been such a rewarding experience. Watching her confidence grow at work, at home, and everywhere in between reminds me why I LOVE do what I do. Here's to many more jeans that are cute and comfortable, confidence-boosting cardigans, and days that start with “Ooh, I get to wear this today!”

Ready for your own style transformation?

My total brand revamp package covers all you need to for an instant (1-2 months) style confidence boost! You will not regret it!

Book in a complimentary discovery call here.

Head back to my homepage.